School-aged Children

Did you know that injuries are the greatest threat to the life and health of your child? Injuries are the leading cause of death of school-aged children. Yet you can prevent most major injuries if you and your child take a few simple steps.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: There are a number of ways your child's school can be more asthma-friendly. Be sure to find out if your child's school maintains good indoor air quality, reduces indoor air irritants, and that a school nurse is on duty. Have your child carry their asthma medication with them during the day and have them receive an annual flu shot so classmates do not worsen their condition.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: When driving children in a carpool you are responsible for the safety of everyone in the car. Be sure to follow safety procedures very strictly and obtain contact information for the parents of all other children in the carpool in case of emergency.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Parents should make sure that their children are emotionally and physically ready to go to camp. Camps should match a child's interests, and parents can talk to camp directors and parents whose children have attended that camp before.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Many sports-related eye injuries occur in children under the age of 15. Eye protectors can significantly cut down the risk of a sports-related eye injury and should be worn whenever possible.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Help your child get their new school year off to a good start. Make sure they eat a healthy breakfast and lunch each day, make sure they have the proper school supplies, and make sure you have registered your child completely.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: A healthy diet is extremely important to your child's health and development. Be sure to serve them low fat milk and cheese, appropriate amounts of potassium, and lean meats. Overall, try to eliminate excessive fat in their diet whenever possible.

Your child will learn many things in life—how to listen, speak, read, write, and do math. Some skills may be harder to learn than others. If your child is trying his best to learn certain skills but is not able to keep up with his peers, it’s important to find out why. Your child may have a learning disability (also known as LD). If your child has an LD, the sooner you know, the sooner you can get your child help. Your child can succeed in school, work, and relationships. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about LDs.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Exercise is good for your child, but too much exercise can become a strain on their body. If your child ever begins to feel pain while exercising, they should stop their activity immediately rather than work through the pain.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Playgrounds can be a great place for children to interact with friends and get exercise. As a parent, you can help to ensure that playgrounds are both fun and safe by making sure the equipment is safe and by teaching proper playground safety to your child.

Each year, about 200,000 children get hurt on playground equipment with injuries serious enough to need treatment in the emergency department. About 15 children die each year from playground injuries. While many of these injuries happen on home equipment, most occur at school and public playgrounds.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Softball and baseball can be healthy and enjoyable pasttimes for many children, but doctors treat thousands of cases of softball- and baseball-related injuries each year. Certain preventative measures can be taken to decrease the risk of these injuries.

When a child receives his or her first tricycle or bicycle, a lifelong pattern of vehicle operation is begun. A bike is not just a toy, but a vehicle that is a speedy means of transportation, subject to the same laws as motor vehicles.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Before your child starts school each year, be sure to go over bus safety rules with them. Urge them to follow bus safety rules both inside and around the outside of the bus to prevent injury.

School health centers are becoming more and more common. Most handle medical emergencies, provide health screenings and refer students to doctors for health problems. A growing number of these centers also offer health services such as immunizations and physical examinations. Therapies for children with special needs may also be available.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Some slides are safer than others, and you should keep this in mind when your child is out on the playground. The height of the top of the slide should never exceed 6 feet and slides should sit on a cushioned ground surface to help minimize injury from falls. Always monitor your child closely when they are playing on slides.

A MINUTE FOR KIDS: As of late, the use of performance enhancing drugs has been in the spotlight. Many young athletes may also use these drugs to do better in school or community sponsored sports. They may not realize the health risks associated with these drugs and more education should be provided in sports programs on this issue.

Students With Chronic Health Conditions: Guidance for Families, Schools, and Students

School is more than a place to gain knowledge and skills. It also is a place where children meet new friends and learn about themselves and other important life lessons. Because children spend many hours in school, it is important that it be a safe and supportive environment for all children.

Children begin learning about sex and sexuality as soon as they are able to view, listen, and sense the world around them. As your children grow and develop, they may giggle with friends about "private parts," share "dirty" jokes, and look up taboo words in the dictionary. Their curiosity is natural, and children of all ages have questions.